The Food-Energy-Water Security Nexus: Definitions, Policies, and Methods in an Application to Malawi and Mozambique

Abstract

1.1 Conceptual framework of the FEW nexus 2.1 Per capita production in Malawi, Mozambique, and SSA regions 2.2 Daily protein supply in Malawi, Mozambique, and Southern Africa 2.3 Energy supply in Malawi, Mozambique, and Southern Africa 2.4 Types of cooking stoves: clay, rocket, and three-stone traditional 2.5 Comparison of fuelwood consumption and cooking time for cooking stoves 2.6 Distribution of cookstove programs in Africa south of the Sahara, 1984-2010 3.1 Circular flow of income in an economy 3.2 Ex ante analysis scoring 3.3 No market constraints 3.4 Full parameterization (includes all constraints) 3.5 No market constraints, no groundwater, and surface runoff included 3.6 No market constraints, no runoff, and groundwater available to 7 m below ground only 3.7 Sensitivity analysis as a function of linear shifts in the scoring function of each variable for the fully parameterized motor-pump model for all of SSA 4.1 Adoption of soil fertility management and irrigation in Mozambique v ABSTRACT This study summarizes the concept of the food-energy-water security nexus (FEW nexus). The aim is to create awareness about the importance of the nexus and to enable stakeholders to consider interconnections between the sectors in their work. The FEW nexus is discussed in the context of Africa south of the Sahara (SSA)-using Malawi and Mozambique as case studies. Even though analyzing food, energy, and water security issues simultaneously is critical given the interconnections, summarizing interventions with the FEW nexus approach in Malawi and Mozambique, we found that there are only a limited number of interventions in place. Additionally, this study reviews macro-and microeconomic models that are able to analyze the FEW nexus. On the macrolevel, especially general equilibrium models are discussed, because they show trade-offs and synergies of nexus interventions at all economic levels. These models can help guide policymakers' understanding of nexus effects ex ante and convince them to think beyond their respective political departments. On the microlevel, the impact of nexus interventions can be assessed with qualitative and quantitative approaches. There are specific challenges for nexus interventions when it comes to aggregation and planning of the targeting. A secondary data analysis of nexus interventions shows that existing data is not sufficient to conduct research specifically related to the FEW nexus. The results of this study will help research programs to reflect the key questions required to enhance adoption of FEW technologies and inform policymakers as they formulate policies that will exploit the strong synergies of food security, energy, and water investments.

Nexusing Charcoal in South Mozambique: A Proposal To Integrate the Nexus Charcoal-Food-Water Analysis With a Participatory Analytical and Systemic Tool

“…The review of the workthat explicitly mentions the nexus and Mozambique (Bullock and Hülsmann, 2015;Nielsen et al, 2015) revealed an essentially water centric Nexus analysis, i.e., water is the main focal point of analysis and intervention. Bullock and Hülsmann (2015) identify a high, but unevenly distributed, potential for sustainable development based on hydropower for Mozambique and several vulnerabilities.…”

“…Moreover, for Bullock and Hülsmann (2015), emphasize the role of Integrated Water Resources Management to bring about synergetic effects on the nexus. Nielsen et al (2015) conducted a nexus analysis on Mozambique to identify trade-offs. Interactions and possible synergies to justify and model the effect of a number of specific interventions in the nexus.…”

“…In this regard, while hydropower could increase food security through irrigation, it might also compete with agriculture for water and significant water losses through evaporation of reservoirs are possible, which poses a threat to water security. Since Mozambique exports around 80% of its hydropower and, Nielsen et al (2015) only around 20% of the population, and less than 8% of rural households, have access to electricity, the microlevel effects of hydropower in energy security are minimal. Still on the energy sector, Nielsen et al (2015) acknowledges the overwhelming presence of firewood and charcoal for cooking, as well as, their possible impacts in the nexus.…”

“…Since Mozambique exports around 80% of its hydropower and, Nielsen et al (2015) only around 20% of the population, and less than 8% of rural households, have access to electricity, the microlevel effects of hydropower in energy security are minimal. Still on the energy sector, Nielsen et al (2015) acknowledges the overwhelming presence of firewood and charcoal for cooking, as well as, their possible impacts in the nexus. Respiratory diseases resulting from smoke emissions, and time and resources spent collecting firewood and producing charcoal affects the capacity to work and/or reduces the availability to engage in other on-farm or offfarm paid work opportunities, affecting ultimately food security.…”

“…Charcoal (more than firewood) is also linked with deforestation, which is, in turn, linked with soil erosion and water retention in soils. According to Nielsen et al (2015), high urbanization rates, lack of suitable technological alternatives and political involvement form national governments drive the increasing demand for charcoal leading to increasing pressure on forest resources, soil erosion and poor watershed management. Nielsen et al (2015) also evaluate the effects of agroforestry (the practice of planting crops together with woody plants) on the nexus.…”